Traylor Family Genealogy & History

Robert DeShaun "Tractor" Traylor was a professional basketball player known for his hulking frame and notable moments in the NBA. Drafted as the sixth pick in the 1998 NBA draft, Traylor played seven seasons, primarily with the Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Charlotte/New Orleans Hornets. Despite weight challenges and a less distinguished NBA career, Traylor made an impact internationally, playing in Turkey, Italy, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. His college career at the University of Michigan was marred by a scandal that led to vacated wins and awards. Traylor's sudden death in 2011 was attributed to a massive heart attack.

William Hurley Traylor Jr. was a distinguished American actor and acting coach, born on October 8, 1930. Known for his roles in "Fletch," "The Towering Inferno," and "The Postman Always Rings Twice," Traylor also had a significant presence on stage, notably in Noël Coward's plays. A member of the Actors Studio, his contributions extended to television during its Golden Age, with appearances in shows like "Father Knows Best" and "Naked City." Traylor, alongside his wife Peggy Feury, founded The Loft Studio in Los Angeles, mentoring stars like Sean Penn and Nicolas Cage, and integrating Stanislavski's methods into their teachings.

William Traylor was born in Kirksville, Missouri to Edna Mae (Singleton) and William Hurley Traylor Sr. He grew up in Brashear, Missouri, where his father ran an oil business and service station. He had two sisters, Patricia (Traylor) Weber and Lucille (Traylor) Jorgenson, contributing to his Midwestern roots. His family eventually moved to Los Angeles, where he continued his acting career and expanded his family's presence in the acting community.

Bill Traylor, born April 1, circa 1853, in Lowndes County, Alabama, emerged as a significant figure in American folk and modern art. Despite beginning his artistic journey at the age of 85, Traylor's self-taught creations, totaling around 1,500 pieces between 1939 and 1942, captured the complexities of African-American life post-emancipation. His work gained recognition through the efforts of Charles Shannon, leading to exhibitions in Montgomery and New York, which laid the groundwork for Traylor's posthumous acclaim in the late 1970s.

Bill Traylor was born into slavery to parents Sally (1815–1880) and Bill Calloway (1805–1860+), who were enslaved on George Hartwell Traylor's plantation in Benton, Alabama. Traylor had five siblings: Liza, Henry, Frank, Jim, and Emet. Throughout his life, Traylor fathered numerous children, starting with Larisa Dunklin and later with Laura Williams and other relationships, underscoring his complex family dynamics amid the challenges of the post-Civil War South.

Byron Keith Traylor, born September 3, 1969, is a renowned former NFL nose tackle with a remarkable 17-season career. Initially drafted by the Denver Broncos in 1991, Traylor earned three Super Bowl rings—two with the Broncos and one with the New England Patriots. Known for his defensive prowess, he was named to the All-Rookie Team in 1991 and is celebrated as one of the top 75 players in Lone Star Conference history. His career saw him play for multiple teams, including the Los Angeles Raiders and Green Bay Packers, showcasing his adaptability and skill across various roles in the league.

Keith Traylor was born into an athletic family. His mother, Vernestine, was a standout high school basketball player, and his two younger brothers pursued college sports in football and basketball. This strong athletic lineage influenced Traylor's early life, contributing to his success in multiple sports during his high school years in Malvern, Arkansas.